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Cheap Auto Insurance in Maryland: Best Companies & Quotes
Tyron Jones
Car Insurance Expert
Updated: 11/2020
Tyron Jones is a car insurance expert who has operated within the auto insurance business for more than 10 years.
Best Car Insurance Companies in Maryland
- Erie
- State Farm
- Allstate
- Nationwide
- USAA
- Progressive
Erie | State Farm | Allstate | Nationwide | USAA | Progressive | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AM Best Financial Strength Rating | A+ | A++ | A++ | A+ | A++ | A+ |
JD Power 2019 Overall Customer Satisfaction score | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Avg Annual Premium | $1,044 | $1,124 | $1,246 | $1,136 | $906 | $1,520 |
Consumer Reports Reader Score | 86 | 78 | 72 | N/A | 91 | 75 |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | Not Rated | A+ |
Auto Insurance Statistics in Maryland
Maryland has car insurance rates that are higher than the national averages but follow the same fluctuations as the national car insurance rates do.
Top 10 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Maryland
Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
---|---|---|
1 | MetLife | $1,400 |
2 | Travelers | $1,412 |
3 | Travelers | $1,412 |
4 | Penn National | $1,494 |
5 | Cal Casualty | $1,514 |
6 | Erie | $1,564 |
7 | USAA | $1,732 |
8 | State Farm | $2,093 |
9 | Allstate | $2,143 |
10 | GEICO | $2,209 |
Drunk Driving Fatalities
Drunk driving is a serious problem nationwide and is one that needs more spotlight in order to ensure improvement in this area. When obtaining car insurance in Maryland, it helps to understand the amount of drunk driving fatalities which occur here. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has done a tally of the number of drunk driving fatalities in Maryland vs. nationwide.
Drunk driving fatalities in Maryland from 2013 to 2017
Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Teen Drinking and Driving
Teen drinking and driving in Maryland is a concern that parents can assist with by raising awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. In Maryland, the rate of teen drinking and driving is slightly lower than the national average. The below statistics represent the percentage of Maryland drivers that are teenagers who are drinking and driving when compared with national averages.
Teen Drinking & Driving in Maryland vs. Nationwide (2017)
Source: Center For Disease Control
SR-22 Insurance in Maryland
SR-22 insurance is a form of insurance that provides financial security to the Maryland DMV if you have been banned from driving. If you want to have your license reinstated in Maryland, the SR-22 policy will provide direct evidence to the DMV that you have the most basic level of coverage that is permissible.
In most cases, you will need an SR-22 policy in Maryland for at least three years. By purchasing the basic level of coverage, you will be able to reinstate your license. The insurance company will need to directly communicate with the DMV to provide a form that exhibits that you have a SR-22 form. Your insurance provider will notify the Maryland DMV if you cancel the policy — which will result in your license being revoked again.
Car Theft in Maryland
Finding out about the levels of car theft in Maryland can show you how often vehicular theft takes place. The rate of car theft appears to have been lower than the national average however, 2012 did see a spike in the rate of vehicle thefts.
Vehicle thefts by rank nationwide vs. Maryland
Source: www.FBI.gov
Uninsured Motorists in Maryland
Getting into an accident with an uninsured motorist will cause you to have to pay out of pocket unless you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. It helps to learn about the number of uninsured motorists in Maryland to get an idea as to whether or not you need this type of coverage. The below data shows how well Maryland ranks in the total number of reported uninsured motorists in the state in the year 2015.
Percentage of uninsured drivers (Top States in 2015)
Source: Insurance Information Institute
Living in Maryland means many things for residents. It means beautiful summers and bitter cold winters. It means living close to the nation’s capital, but also having access to farmland and rural communities where life is simple and enjoyable. It also means the cost of car insurance varies significantly. Data shows living in Maryland means you could spend as little as $800 per year or as much as $4,100 per year for an insurance policy. It’s a big difference, and many people are uninterested in paying the premiums when they’re on the high end.
It’s not uncommon to want to save on your insurance, which is why so many Maryland residents are interested in learning what they can do to help lower their premium and help their budget stick a little easier. It’s not always easy or possible for some people to lower their rates, but it’s sometimes much easier than you think.
Know Where to Start
If you’re serious about a lower rate in Maryland, you’re going to shop around for a great policy. The best way to do this is to compare quotes from at least three of the top car insurance companies. Some of the best include Geico, USAA, Selective Insurance, Nationwide, and Cumberland Insurance. They’re rated the most affordable in the state for most policyholders, but your personal situation is a different story.
How Your Life Affects Your Insurance
It’s been mentioned you can’t always lower your rate. The reason has to do with how risky an insurance company views you in comparison to others. They want to know the people they’re insuring are reliable, and they want to know they are doing what they can to save money when possible. The riskiest drivers are those who have a poor driving record and a poor credit score. These people are viewed as bad drivers as well as financially irresponsible, which means they’re not getting the best insurance rates. If this is you, now is a good time to start making better driving decisions and to get your financial life in order. It might not help you right now, but it can help you in the future. Additionally, it’s just a good idea to improve your driving record and your credit no matter what you do.
If you live in a neighborhood where the crime rate is high or the economic status of most residents is low, you’ll pay more. It’s because your car is somewhere break-ins and theft happen more often, and it’s because many people who live in areas like this don’t pay for their own insurance.
How to Ask for Lower Rates
Before you being shopping around, you might just all your own insurance company and ask for a lower rate. It might seem like a long shot, but customers who’ve been with the company for many years with a great record are going to see this one result in big changes. If you have not needed your insurance to pay a deductible for an accident and if you always pay on time, your insurance company wants to keep you. You’re low-risk, and they don’t want to lose you. This means they’re more likely to pay for you to stick around with an auto insurance discount, and all you have to do is ask.
You can also let the company know of any major life changes, if you have any safety features on your car you’re not getting a discount for, and if you have received lower rates from other companies. There is no guarantee you can find a lower rate this way, but it’s always worth asking. If your company won’t work with you, go ahead and look around for a new policy.
Maryland residents might find insurance is more expensive if they live in Baltimore or one of the other biggest cities. It’s a lot more affordable in rural communities, and you should try to find out if there’s anything you can do to get a lower rate when you have the chance. You’re not guaranteed one, but you can ask and see what that gets you.
Types of Auto Insurance Coverage in Maryland:
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
- Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Insurance
- Property Damage Liability Insurance
Minimum Requirements For Car Insurance in Maryland
There are minimum requirements for car insurance in the state of Maryland. According to The Maryland Insurance Commissioner, it is mandatory to have at least a minimum of liability coverage, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist insurance for every registered driver who is operating a vehicle in the state.
Liability Coverage minimums for the state of Maryland:
- $30,000 per single bodily injury or death
- $60,000 per multiple bodily injury or deaths
- $15,000 for property damage
Medical Payments minimums:
- $250,000 for multiple medical coverages
Uninsured Motorist minimums:
- $30,000 per person
- $60,000 per accident
Source: Maryland Insurance Commissioner
Cheap Auto Insurance Discounts
One way that Maryland drivers can save on the cost of car insurance is with online car insurance quotes. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts on the cost of car insurance based on certain criteria. These discounts are typically not advertised so consumers don’t always get a chance to take advantage of them. At CheapAutoInsurance.co, we have compiled a list of the most common types of car insurance discounts so you can save.
- Anti-theft discount
- Bundling insurance policies discount
- Car safety features discount
- Defensive driving discount
- Good student discount
- Infrequent usage discount
- Low-mileage discount
- Mature driver discount
- Military or Veteran discount
- Multi-car auto insurance discount
- Senior citizen discount
FAQ
General Maryland Car Insurance
This is a great place to start if you’re trying to figure out the basics of Maryland car insurance. Use this information to help you get more from the more advanced answers later on.
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When can I cancel my Maryland auto insurance?
You can cancel your auto insurance after you’ve submitted a bill of sale or obtained a certificate on non-use from the state.
What is full coverage auto insurance in MD?
Full auto insurance coverage in MD is $30k for bodily injury per person, $60k per accident, $15k property damage per accident, $30k uninsured motorist per person, $60k uninsured motorist per accident, and $15,000 uninsured motorist property damage protection. Compare quotes to get the best full coverage insurance.
What are the requirements in Maryland to get car insurance?
All you need to get car insurance in Maryland is a car, a driver’s license, and the ability to pay your car insurance bill.
How far back can auto insurance look when your DMV record in state of Maryland?
Companies can pull between 3 and 5 years of driving records in Maryland when they’re setting your car insurance premium prices.
What information do I need to buy auto insurance in MD?
To buy auto insurance in Maryland you’ll need your driver’s license number, car VIN, and address where the car will be stored.
How are auto insurance premiums calculated in MD?
Every company calculates their insurance premiums differently based on how they assess risk. The factors they look at include age, driving history, car, gender, and more.
Maryland Car Insurance Laws
Every state’s insurance laws are unique. We’ll answer your questions about how car insurance laws work in Maryland in this section.
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Do you need car insurance when you have a learner's permit in Maryland?
Not usually. The instructor’s insurance policy will generally cover learning drivers that are being taught. However, you should check with your insurance policy to make sure. Read more about car insurance no driver license scenarios.
How long can your children be on your auto insurance policy in Maryland?
There’s no age limit for how long a child can be on your auto insurance in Maryland. They just have live at home or use home as their primary address while they’re at school.
Can you report someone who doesn’t have car insurance in Maryland?
You can call the police and report them, but that doesn’t mean the police will immediately take action. They need to be driving to commit a crime, and the state DMV already knows they don’t have insurance.
What is the fine for not having car insurance in MD?
You’ll pay $150 for the first 30 days you don’t have car insurance and $7 for every day after that. You’ll also need to pay a $25 restoration fee for your registration.
What is the minimum auto insurance coverage in Maryland?
Maryland requires that you have bodily injury coverage at $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 of property damage liability. Many people want liability only insurance in order to keep costs low.
What kind of car insurance is required on new cars in Maryland?
New cars don’t require any kind of special insurance other than the legal minimum. However, if you financed your car, then your lender can place additional qualifications on your insurance.
What amount of bodily and injury insurance for auto is needed in MD?
You need bodily injury insurance with a limit of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident to drive legally in MD.
How to provide proof of car insurance in Maryland?
You can get an insurance card from your car insurance companies. Many companies will email the card to you, so you can get quick car insurance proof of insurance the same day. Read more: How long do I have to insure a new car?
When to add teen to car insurance MD?
You should add a teen driver as soon a they get their license in MD. This ensures they’re driving legally and are protected from liability.
In Maryland, how long to add car to insurance?
Most insurance companies will give you a range of 4 to 9 days to add a new car to your insurance, but it’s best to transfer your insurance right away. MD just requires that you have insurance before you register your car.
Does Maryland force you to buy insurance when renting a car?
No, you can use your primary car insurance for car rentals in Maryland. Rental companies can offer you additional protection you can decline.
What is the Maryland law for married couple car insurance?
There’s no Maryland law regarding married couple car insurance. Many companies allow you to get a discount if you’re married and allow you to exempt your spouse from your insurance coverage.
When is a car a classic for MD insurance?
A classic car is one that is at least 20 years old and drives below a number of miles set by each individual insurance company. We recently wrote reviews for the best classic car insurance companies.
What auto insurance limits must I have in Maryland?
You must have a limit of at least $30,000 for bodily injury per person, up to $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 of property damage liability in Maryland.
What will happen if you don’t have car insurance MD?
If you don’t have car insurance in MD then you can’t legally drive. You’ll face suspension of your registration and a fine of $150 for the first 30 days and $7 for each day after that.
How long can you go without car insurance in Maryland?
You can’t go any days without car insurance in Maryland. The state makes car insurance mandatory to be driving legally.
What happens in MD when you can't get auto insurance?
Then you can’t drive a car. You’ll need to get a certificate on non-use from the state’s DMV for your car to avoid fines for an uninsured vehicle. You can either get coverage online, the phone, or searching for local car insurance near me in any search engine.
Does a teen driver need auto insurance in MD when driving with an adult?
Not usually, in most cases the adult’s insurance will cover them. However, you should check with the adult’s insurance company to be sure. You can also try to qualify for a policy through the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund, which specializes in these cases. In the meantime if you do need insurance for teens then fill out the quote form above.
When you lease a car in Maryland do you need insurance?
Yes, you need at least the state minimum coverage when you lease a car in Maryland. The company you’re leasing from may have additionally insurance requirements as well.
What counts as an occasional driver for auto insurance in MD?
MD considers a driver that uses the car often but is the driver less than 50% of the time to be an occasional driver.
What tickets go to your car insurance in MD?
Any moving violation can go to your car insurance in MD. That includes speeding, failure to yield, running a stop sign, running a traffic light, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, and more.
In Maryland, who must obtain auto insurance for a vehicle?
The owner of the vehicle has to obtain auto insurance for it in Maryland. That’s because you need insurance before you can register your car, and only the owner can register the car.
How much will a motorcycle endorsement affect my insurance?
That depends on lots of different factors. You should talk to your insurance company to see what the impact will be on your rate. If you’re not already coverage then compare quotes from multiple motorcycle insurance companies to find the lowest cost.
Maryland Car Insurance Prices
The price of car insurance is one of the first things people look at when they’re shopping. We’ll answer your questions about Maryland car insurance prices in this section.
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How much is car insurance in Maryland?
Maryland car insurance rates are a bit below the national average. An average Maryland driver will pay about $1,016 per year for car insurance. To find cheapest auto insurance rates use our form above to compare quotes.
How much is car insurance for new drivers in MD?
16-year-old drivers in Maryland have an average insurance premium of $4,852.98 per year in Maryland. This number is for a teen on their own policy, not on their parent’s insurance. Related: How much is car insurance for a 19 year old?
Why is car insurance so expensive in Maryland?
Car insurance prices are up all over the country. This is due to the increased costs of health care and car repairs, which increases the costs that insurance companies pay out. Doing a car insurance quotes comparison can save you some money though.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Maryland?
For most drivers, Erie Auto Insurance offers the cheapest car insurance rates for Maryland drivers/ That includes good drivers, those with one at-fault accident, poor credit, and those looking for state minimum coverage. Check to see if you can get auto insurance with no down payment since that will at least save you any initial out of pocket costs.
How much is car insurance for a 25-year-old male in MD?
A 25-year old male driver in Maryland will pay an average of $2,402 for car insurance. This can go up or down depending on where in the state they live.
How much will it cost for used car Maryland inspection and tags and insurance?
The fee for a vehicle inspection is $79.95, tags and insurance depend on your vehicle, driving record, address, and other factors. Ask about veteran car insurance if you qualify.
What is best auto insurance in Maryland for teenage driver?
Erie Insurance is the best option for teen drivers in Maryland. They consistently offer lower rates than the competition across all driving categories.
What does the average person pay for car insurance in Maryland?
On average a Maryland driver will pay $1,016 per year for car insurance, which is about $120 below the national average. Compare the average car insurance premium of different states.
Where can I get cheap car insurance in Maryland?
There are lots of options to get cheap car insurance in Maryland. Erie Insurance is often the cheapest option for drivers. State Farm, Progressive, and Geico also have very competitive rates for many drivers. Use our auto insurance comparison tool above by putting in your zip code to get started.
What is the cheapest auto insurance in Maryland?
For most drivers, Erie Insurance is the cheapest option. That goes for good drivers, people looking for minimum coverage only, those with poor credit, and those with one at fault crash. See who offers the cheapest auto insurance in the nation.
How much will one at fault accident with damage only to my car increase my insurance in MD?
That depends on lots of different factors, like what the damage was, what tickets were issued, and so on. Generally, you’ll see a price increase of at least 13% for one at-fault accident.
How much of saving on auto insurance do you get for driver’s education class in Maryland?
There’s no set amount for a driver’s education discount in Maryland. Different insurance companies can set their own discount rates for driver’s education classes.
How do points affect Maryland car insurance?
Points will increase the cost of your insurance. The amount your insurance increases depends on lots of different elements, like how many points you have, how quickly you accumulated them, and so on.
At what age in Maryland does car insurance drop?
The three biggest car insurance price drops in Maryland are at the ages of 20, 25, and 30. These happen because drivers become much less risky as they age out of their teenage years.
Who offers the best car insurance in Maryland?
For most people Erie Insurance is the best option. However, we recommend that you use an insurance comparison tool to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your area.
How can Maryland senior citizen lower car insurance?
You can lower your car insurance several ways as a senior citizen in Maryland. You can see if you qualify for low mileage discounts, senior discounts, or take a driver’s education class. Compare the best auto insurance rates for seniors now.
How much is temporary car insurance in Maryland?
This depends on a number of factors including the length of the policy. The typical length is 6 months so if you need temporary insurance shorter than that you’ll need to talk to an agent. If you cancel your policy before its term is up then there may be cancellation fees.
Maryland Car Insurance Claims and Coverage
This section answers your questions about how car insurance claims and coverage work in Maryland.
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What happens if you get into a car accident without insurance in Maryland?
You’ll be liable for any at fault damage. You’ll also face fines and the suspension of your registration if you drive without insurance in Maryland. Related: What is required for insuring a salvage title car?
How does an auto accident claim work in Maryland when person doesn't take responsibility?
Your insurance company will perform an investigation. If they determine the other driver to be at fault, then they’ll sue the driver and/or the driver’s insurance for the damages.
For a car accident injury whose insurance pays in Maryland?
The party that’s determined to be at-fault will ultimately pay for the medical expenses from a car accident injury in Maryland.
What does auto insurance cover in MD?
Minimum MD auto insurance covers bodily injury to other people, personal injury, and property damage to other people.
Other Maryland Car Insurance Questions
We’ve placed this section to cover any questions that don’t quite fit into our other categories. If you don’t see your question on the list, then this is a good place to check.
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How to get your car back in MD if it has been impounded for not having car insurance?
You’ll need to get car insurance and take your proof of insurance to the Maryland DMV. They’ll confirm your insurance and walk you through the process of getting your car back.
How to notify the state of Maryland that commercial auto insurance is in place?
The commercial insurance company should notify the state of Maryland that your insurance is in place on your behalf. However, you can also contact the DMV to be sure the state is properly notified.